The Jewish Council of Australia strongly condemns the recent spate of attacks by neo-Nazis against refugees protesting for permanent visas.

Last week, a masked group of men marched through the streets of Adelaide brandishing a neo-Nazi flag in a blatant attempt to intimidate a group of refugees who have been protesting for permanent safety. The group chanted slogans such as “Australia for the white man”.

This march is part of the  alarming growth of  far-right and white supremacist groups in Australia.

A refugee vigil, which has been running continuously in Melbourne for 60 days now, has been the subject of a series of attacks by neo-Nazis seeking to spread fear and hatred. Last month, a rally held in solidarity with the refugee vigil was targeted by a group of men dressed in black and donning balaclavas, carrying a banner reading, “F*ck off, we’re full”.

These acts of white supremacy are offensive to all racialised groups. 

We call on Federal and State Governments, and the media to be mindful of the role they can play in countering dehumanising language and anti-immigrant sentiments.

Rathy Barthlote, organiser and protest leader with Refugee Women Action for Visa Equality:

“We began our protest 60 days ago, demanding permanent visas for the 9,500 refugees who, like us, have lived in this country for more than 12 years. We can no longer endure life in limbo.

Unfortunately, our actions have attracted far-right social media influencers, who have been spreading misinformation and falsely blaming us for social issues like housing shortages. These influencers are even encouraging confrontations against us. 

It was especially distressing to see neo-Nazis show up at our protest in Melbourne. I lost my uncle to thugs in Sri Lanka who were dressed just like them, and it brought back painful memories. 

Many of us are now deeply concerned about potential attacks. Despite this, we have no choice but to continue our protest, as we desperately need a solution from the government.”

Sarah Schwartz, Executive Officer of the Jewish Council of Australia:

“The hateful ideology fuelling the recent spate of neo-Nazi attacks has absolutely no place in our community. An attack on any racialised community is an attack on us all. 

The only path forward is to come together and unite against all forms of discrimination and condemn racism when we see it. This is a responsibility held not only by the community, but by the media and our political leaders.” 

A rally is being held tonight by Refugee Action Collective (RAC) Victoria in solidarity with the refugee-led protest. 

5.30pm AEST, Friday 13 September
Department of Home Affairs, 808 Bourke St, Docklands